Mental health conditions can vary widely from person to person. Even if two people have been diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), their obsessions and compulsions can be quite different. For instance, one person can have contamination OCD that causes them to constantly clean due to their fear of getting sick. Another person can have harm OCD, leading them to avoid using sharp objects whenever possible. So what does relationship OCD look like?
Relationship OCD refers to a subtype of obsessive-compulsive disorder that’s centered on romantic relationships. More specifically, it centers on the doubt about a person’s relationships or their partner. The condition can make it difficult to form and maintain healthy relationships that you value or desire for certain life milestones, such as marriage. The importance of treatment shouldn’t be underestimated.
In this blog post, we’ll talk about what relationship OCD is and why treatment is helpful.
What is relationship OCD?
Romantic relationships can make a significant impact on your overall outlook and quality of life. With the right partner, you can make happy memories and have a support system during tough times. Even so, relationships aren’t easy. They involve compromise, vulnerability and honest communication. That’s why doubt isn’t uncommon.
Relationship OCD goes beyond the bits of doubt that creep into your head at the beginning of a relationship. Relationship OCD makes you feel overwhelming uncertainty about your romantic relationship or partner.
The obsessions, or unwanted and repeated thoughts, of relationship OCD center on constantly questioning the person or your connection, such as:
- “Am I actually attracted to them?”
- “Is there someone better for me out there?”
- “Do they truly love me as much as I love them?”
The compulsions, or repetitive behaviors in response to obsessions, for relationship OCD can include:
- Constantly seeking reassurance from your partner
- Analyzing your partner for flaws or “testing” their true feelings
- Turning down situations that show commitment, such as meeting your partner’s family
How treatment can alleviate relationship OCD
Similar to all other subtypes of OCD, relationship OCD can make you feel overwhelming anxiety that impacts every facet of your life, and not just your relationships. Relationship OCD shouldn’t be left untreated, because it can also become difficult to carry out your everyday activities or plan for the future.
Treatment for relationship OCD will often center on psychotherapy. The goal of treating relationship OCD is to manage your obsessions and compulsions to reduce their impact on both yourself and your significant other so that you can strengthen your ability to be a present, respectful partner. It helps you work through your own internal challenges that are impacting your relationship, such as low self-esteem, fear of abandonment or unrealistic expectations.
Therapy for relationship OCD can help you:
- Determine the root cause of your fears
- Figure out the role that you want your relationship to play in your life
- Learn how to manage obsessive thoughts that lead to compulsive behaviors
- Develop stress management and coping skills to reduce anxiety
- Talk through everyday relationship challenges, such as jealousy or miscommunication
- Learn how your internal struggles are impacting your relationships
While regular outpatient therapy sessions can be beneficial, people who are experiencing severe anxiety that stems from relationship OCD may require more intensive levels of care, such as an Intensive Outpatient Program.
Therapy may involve a variety of approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention. It’s also possible that you’ll be prescribed medication to reduce your anxiety symptoms.
It’s important to remember that treating relationship OCD doesn’t mean that you’re immediately going to be in a healthy and happy relationship. You may not be with the right person to do so. Talking with your therapist will also help you figure out if your current partner is the right fit for your overall mental and emotional well-being.
Lightfully Behavioral Health can provide treatment for relationship obsessive compulsive disorder
Having relationship OCD doesn’t mean that there’s anything wrong with you or that you’ll never meet “the one” (if that’s what you’re hoping for). You’re capable of forming meaningful, intimate relationships. It just takes the right treatment to get you there.
Every person with OCD deserves the support and insight they need to reduce their symptoms on a day-to-day basis. At Lightfully, we can help if the anxiety from your relationship OCD requires intensive care, for example, through our Intensive Outpatient Program. Everything we do consists of evidence-based and whole-person-centered care.
Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.
